Higher Education Policy in the 119th Congress Part 2 of this podcast continues with Tom Netting, president of TEN Government Strategies and our Washington Update expert, examining ways in which the outcome of the 2024 US elections will transform higher education. Drawing from over three decades of policy expertise, Netting provides an insider’s perspective on the anticipated changes a Trump administration and the 119th Republican-controlled Congress could bring to higher education. Netting analyzes shifts in key Congressional committees, focusing on the implications for higher education funding, accreditation, and the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. He also addresses the impact of potential regulatory changes, executive orders, and court decisions on issues such as student loan repayment and Title IX. Finally, he offers advice to higher education institutions on preparing for these upcoming changes. Higher Education Policy in the 119th Congress: 2024-2025 Impact Analysis Tom Netting, president of TEN Government Strategies and Washington Update expert, provides crucial insights into how the 2024 US elections will transform higher education. Drawing from over three decades of policy expertise, Netting offers an insider’s perspective on the anticipated changes under a Trump administration and Republican-controlled 119th Congress, exploring implications for institutions, students, and education policy. Congressional Leadership Transformation and Committee Impact Critical Committee Changes Reshaping Education Policy Senate HELP Committee leadership transition to Bill Cassidy (R-LA) from Bernie Sanders (D-VT), signaling a potential pivot toward healthcare-focused policy and reformed higher education priorities. House Education and Workforce Committee leadership race between Joe Wilson (R-SC), Tim Wahlberg (R-MI), and Burgess Owens (R-UT), following Virginia Foxx’s retirement, with implications for education policy direction. Significant Appropriations Committee turnover affecting crucial decisions on: Pell Grant funding allocations Student loan program resources Financial aid program sustainability Institution support mechanisms Regulatory Transformation Immediate Regulatory Changes and Their Institutional Impact Comprehensive revision of existing regulations: Borrower defense mechanisms and institutional accountability Updated gainful employment metrics affecting program viability Modified 90/10 rule implementation for proprietary institutions Reformed institutional quality standards Status of proposed rules and NPRMs: Student borrower relief programs Program Integrity and Institutional Quality guidelines TRIO program modifications Distance education requirements Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations Delayed or abandoned 2025 initiatives: Cash management reforms Accreditation standard updates State authorization requirements Executive Action Implications Immigration policy changes affecting: International student enrollment Institutional revenue streams Campus diversity initiatives Title IX implementation challenges: 26 states blocking new regulations 24 states implementing changes Institutional compliance complexities Student loan repayment modifications: New repayment structure implementation Institutional reporting requirements Student success metrics Accreditation Evolution and Institutional Impact Fundamental Accreditation Reform Reexamination of accreditor core mission and scope Controversial DEI standards debate: Five of six former regional accreditors requiring DEI standards SACCOC’s contrasting approach Potential prohibition implications Academic freedom considerations: Faculty concerns about restricted discourse Institutional autonomy questions Cultural and political influence on standards Higher Education Act reauthorization implications: Potential solutions for accreditation challenges Updated oversight mechanisms Reformed quality assurance frameworks Liberal Arts Education Transformation Innovation and Adaptation in Liberal Education Strategic evolution of traditional programs: Career pathway integration Skills-based learning incorporation Industry alignment strategies Public service value recognition: Loan forgiveness program preservation Community impact assessment Social value metrics Educational delivery modernization: Hybrid learning models Virtual education integration Technology-enhanced instruction AI integration strategies: Curriculum enhancement Administrative efficiency Student support systems Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leaders Stay tuned for leadership changes. The new leadership will set the tone and tenor for upcoming policy changes, and a lot of the direction will come from the new President-Elect. Be prepared for discussions around accreditation and outcomes. There will be considerable discussion around accreditation and outcomes, as well as how the return on investment for all of education is ...
